MACMILLAN An Ecological Theory of Free Expression

This book advances a comprehensive moral defense of freedom of expression―one with implications for law and policy, but also for the choices of individuals and non-governmental institutions. Gary Chartier seeks to ground expressive freedom in mutually supportive concerns related to themes including property, autonomy, flourishing, and discovery, while seeking to tightly cabin the range of potential injuries that might trigger legal liability for expressive activity. Chartier argues suggestively for an understanding of expressive freedom as rooted and realized in a complex set of social ecosystems that merit protection on multiple grounds and applies it provocatively to a range of contemporary issues. Review “The thrust of this thought-provoking book is that freedom of expression, rather than being seen as an isolatable component of deliberative politics, should be contemplated as an interlocking feature of a sociopolitical system. … It is a complicated formulation, steeped in the traditions of moral political theory, but for readers who invest in the argument, the book is a provocative and rewarding experience. … Recommended. Graduate students through faculty.” (S. B. Lichtman, Choice, Vol. 56 (1), September, 2018) Review “Freedom of expression is continually in need of explanation and defense. An Ecological Theory of Free Expression―timely, useful, and original―offers both. Chartier’s arguments are well-thought-out and cogently presented. People writing about the subject twenty years from now may find it both obvious and necessary to cite this clear, accessible, and rigorous book.” (Aeon J. Skoble, Bridgewater State University, USA)  “Professor Chartier has crafted a wildly diverse philosophical defense of a robust free expression. Drawing on liberalism, natural law, anarchism, and libertarianism, he describes a societal ecosystem that would foster expressive freedom in multiple ways. A challenging and provocative read.” (Stephen Feldman, University of Wyoming, USA) “Chartier’s book stakes out a theoretical position which, while presupposed in much contemporary political rhetoric on the topic of free speech, merits the kind of thoughtful articulation Chartier has offered. It is original, rigorous, and extremely topical! Chartier rightly understands that there is a moral issue independent of the legal issues as to whether people should seek to silence others at all. The book’s organization and the quality of the writing and scholarship are exceptional. This volume has the potential to prove a classic contribution to liberal political theory.” (R. Kevin Hill, Portland State University, USA) From the Back Cover This book advances a comprehensive moral defense of freedom of expression―one with implications for law and policy, but also for the choices of individuals and non-governmental institutions. Gary Chartier seeks to ground expressive freedom in mutually supportive concerns related to themes including property, autonomy, flourishing, and discovery, while seeking to tightly cabin the range of potential injuries that might trigger legal liability for expressive activity. Chartier argues suggestively for an understanding of expressive freedom as rooted and realized in a complex set of social ecosystems that merit protection on multiple grounds and applies it provocatively to a range of contemporary issues. About the Author Gary Chartier is Distinguished Professor of Law and Business Ethics and Associate Dean of the Tom and Vi Zapara School of Business at La Sierra University in Riverside, California.